Messaging and ornamental coffee table system and method of operation

Abstract

A messaging and ornamental coffee table system and method of operation provides a coffee table comprising a resilient base, sidewalls extending up from the resilient base and forming a cavity, and an at least partially transparent table top having a depressed message portion and hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls. The system further comprises at least one light source operational in the cavity to illuminate towards the at least partially transparent table top. The system further comprises a plurality of tiles defined by multiple faces displaying alphanumeric characters, or symbols, or both. The tiles are arrangable on the message portion to display a message. The system further comprises an at least partially transparent ornamental member disposed on the table top. The illumination from light source illuminates the alphanumeric characters and symbols of tiles, and the at least partially transparent ornamental member to enhance visibility and decorative effect thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A messaging and ornamental coffee table system comprising:
 a coffee table comprising a foam base, four sidewalls extending from the foam base and forming a cavity, and an at least partially transparent table top hinged to one of the four sidewalls, wherein the table top comprises a depressed message portion; 
 a plurality of tiles each comprising a six-faced block wherein each face of said tiles displays a letter, symbol, or both, wherein the plurality of tiles are arranged to display a message in the depressed message portion of the table top, an at least partially transparent ornamental member disposed on the table top, at least one light source in the cavity of said coffee table; and 
 a guide member disposed proximal to the at least one light source, the guide member directing light from the light source towards the partially transparent table top to illuminate the partially transparent ornamental member and the tiles in the depressed message portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The messaging and ornamental coffee table system of  claim 1 , wherein the depressed message portion comprises a generally rectangular shape. 
     
     
       3. The messaging and ornamental coffee table system of  claim 1 , wherein the depressed message portion comprises a depth of at least one inch. 
     
     
       4. The messaging and ornamental coffee table system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source includes at least one of the following: a light emitting diode strip, a fluorescent bulb, an incandescent light bulb, a neon light, and a candle. 
     
     
       5. The messaging and ornamental coffee table system of  claim 1 , wherein the light source illuminates at variable colors, intensities, and lighting patterns. 
     
     
       6. The messaging and ornamental coffee table system of  claim 1 , wherein the guide member comprises a funnel or a pair of parallel panels. 
     
     
       7. The messaging and ornamental coffee table system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least partially transparent ornamental member includes at least one of the following: a figurine, an ashtray, a vase, a glass, a plate, a tray, and a book.